ROTC

Department Website

The Reserve Officer Training Corps is a coeducational program dedicated to developing college-educated men and women to serve as officers in the United States Military. Each ROTC program at UofSC is a strong professional community, and joining this community allows students to tap into unique career opportunities and build a professional network. 

The University of South Carolina is one of the few schools in the nation to have Army, Navy and Air Force ROTC programs. Preparing students to be leaders and life-long learners, the ROTC programs allow students to pursue any major at the university while completing a minor related to their ROTC service branch and engaging in extracurricular training and development. All ROTC students participate in a regular program of physical fitness and field training. 

Books and uniforms are issued at no cost for all ROTC branches. The ROTC programs are conducted pursuant to provisions of the ROTC Vitalization Act of 1964. 

Military Science

Army Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) is a coeducational program dedicated to developing college-educated men and women to serve in challenging positions of leadership, responsibility, and varied managerial positions both as officers in the U.S. Army and civilians in corporate America.

Army ROTC requires from two to four years to complete, depending on student qualifications. This time is normally divided into a two-year, no-obligation basic program, composed of freshman and sophomore students; and a two-year contractual advanced program, for juniors and seniors. Students with prior military service, JROTC, or National Guard/Reserve service may qualify for direct placement in the advanced program. At the beginning of their junior year, students with two years remaining before graduation may also qualify for the advanced program by attending Leadership Training Course (LTC), a four-week course offered during the summer at Fort Knox, Kentucky. All students participate in a regular program of physical fitness and field training.

The Scholarship Program

The Army ROTC Scholarship Program awards four-, three-, and two-year scholarships to eligible students on a competitive basis. The Department of Military Science accepts applications for three-year and two-year ROTC scholarships year-round. Nursing students who have qualified for placement in the advanced course may also apply for two-year scholarships. Students do not have to be enrolled in ROTC to apply for three-year and two-year scholarships.

The scholarship amount is applied to the cost of tuition. An additional amount of $900 is awarded for books and supplies. The students also receive a tiered allowance of $300, $350, $450, or $500 per month for up to 10 months of each school year depending on their academic status, i.e., freshman, sophomore, junior, or senior. All students receive $700 while attending the five-week Leadership Development and Assessment Course at Fort Lewis, Washington, after their junior year.

Leadership Training Course (LTC) Two-Year Program

LTC is for students who missed the first and second years of ROTC. LTC is attended during the summer between the sophomore and junior years of college for four weeks at Fort Knox, Ky. The purpose of LTC is to provide instruction in basic leadership and technical skills that will prepare you for your junior and senior years of ROTC. During this camp, you have the opportunity to compete for a two-year scholarship. All travel expenses are paid and you are paid $700 while attending camp. Students attending this camp incur no military obligation.

Cadet Professional Development Training

Selected cadets may attend Air Assault School, Airborne School, Mountain Warfare School, Northern Warfare School, and/or Scuba School. All training is voluntary and conducted at Army posts throughout the United States during either summer or winter recesses.

Cadet Troop Leader Training

Selected cadets are sent to various Army units in the United States and overseas to develop leadership experience prior to the beginning of their senior year. Cadets are paid and receive all privileges and status of Army officers.

Simultaneous Membership Program (SMP)

The Simultaneous Membership Program is a program in which the individual is both a member of the Army National Guard (ARNG) or the U.S. Army Reserve (USAR) and the Army ROTC. Students receive entitlements from both the ARNG or USAR and the ROTC.

This is a required program for cadets who are in the ARNG or USAR and are in the advanced course. When cadets enter the SMP, they become officer trainees in their guard or reserve unit and are paid as sergeants (E-5), while performing duties commensurate with the grade of second lieutenant.

Professional Military Education Program

The Army ROTC Professional Military Education (PME) program exists to enhance the career development and performance of cadets as future Army officers. The PME guidelines for Army ROTC cadets are as follows:

All cadets must successfully complete a course in American military history prior to commissioning.
All cadets are encouraged to take a course from each of the following areas prior to commissioning: human behavior, math reasoning, management, and national security studies.

Students will meet with the professor of military science/class advisor before selecting these courses.

Naval Science

The Naval Reserve Officers’ Training Corps Program, offered by the Department of Naval Science, prepares selected students for commissioned service in the United States Navy and the United States Marine Corps. The program embodies moral, mental, and physical development and instills in midshipmen the highest ideals of duty, honor, and loyalty in order to commission college graduates as professionally qualified, well-educated officers in the Naval service.

Selection to the program is based on the potential for future development in mind, body, and character so that midshipmen may assume the highest responsibilities of command, citizenship, and government. Naval ROTC graduates are given equal rank, treatment, and opportunity with graduates of the United States Naval Academy.

Students may enter the Naval ROTC Program at any time during their first two years (three years for five-year curricula) of University work. Specific information on an individual basis may be obtained at the ROTC center, located on Pickens St. between Blossom St. and Wheat St., or via phone at 803-777-3451. Any student attending the University may enroll in naval science courses.

Naval ROTC Programs

Navy-Marine Scholarship Program

Naval ROTC scholarship students are selected through national competition and appointed midshipmen, U.S. Naval Reserve, upon enrollment in the University. Upon graduation, Midshipmen are commissioned as ensign, U.S. Navy, or second lieutenant, U.S. Marine Corps, and serve at the pleasure of the president of the United States. Currently, the required minimum active duty service period has been established at four years.

Costs of tuition and fees and a textbook allowance are paid by the government. Uniforms are also provided by the government and students receive subsistence pay for other expenses at the rates of $250, $300, $350, and $400 per month (depending on class) during the academic year and $375 per semester for books.

Scholarship midshipmen must complete summer training periods, lasting approximately four weeks, and are paid during these training periods. The second and third summer training periods consist of at-sea training; the first provides aviation, submarine, surface, and amphibious warfare orientation.

Four-Year College Program

The Naval ROTC College Program is a four-year sequence leading to a commission as ensign, U.S. Navy, or second lieutenant, U.S. Marine Corps. College-program requirements are similar to those of the scholarship program. Applicants are selected by the professor of naval science and must meet certain physical standards. Students may apply for the Naval ROTC College Program at the Naval ROTC administrative office located in the Naval ROTC armory.

College-program midshipmen, if selected for advanced standing, are required to participate in one summer cruise, normally between the junior and senior years, and receive subsistence pay at the rates of $350 and 400 per month during the junior and senior academic years, respectively, and $375 per semester for books.

College-program students are eligible for selection to the Scholarship Program. Most students with a GPA of approximately 3.00 or better are awarded full Naval ROTC scholarships for the remainder of their undergraduate education.

College-program graduates commissioned in the U.S. Navy or the U.S. Marine Corps are required to serve on active duty for four years.

Two-Year College Program

The Two-Year College Program is essentially the same as the Four-Year College Program. Applicants must be in the first or second year of college, or in the third year of a five-year curriculum. During the summer preceding the final two years of college, successful candidates attend a six-week Naval Science Institute (NSI) in Newport, Rhode Island. While at the NSI, the Naval ROTC candidate is exposed to various fundamentals of naval science and participates in a compressed review of naval science courses normally taken during the freshman and sophomore years. Upon returning to USC, the Naval ROTC students enroll in the naval science curriculum, commencing with upper-level (300) courses. While in attendance at the NSI, each student receives about $550 per month, room and board, and compensation for travel expenses. Initial application should be made at the Naval ROTC office in the ROTC center.

Two-Year Scholarship Program

The Two-Year Scholarship Program is similar to the Two-Year College Program, in that accepted students attend the NSI during the summer preceding their final two years. However, selectees for this program are guaranteed a full scholarship (tuition, fees, books, allowance, and a $300 per month stipend) upon successful completion of the NSI. Initial application should be made at the Naval ROTC office in the Naval ROTC armory.

Marine Corps Option Program

The Marine-option student completes the naval science curriculum for the first year as prescribed for all midshipmen. Specialized Marine Corps naval science courses and summer field training are required during the final three years of Naval ROTC training. Scholarship, college-program benefits, and subsistence pay are the same for Marine and Navy options.

Students desiring a commission in the Marine Corps may elect to enter the Naval ROTC College Program as Marine-option Midshipmen. Upper division Navy-option midshipmen may change to Marine-option midshipmen by submitting a written application to the professor of naval science, preferably during their sophomore year, for designation as a Marine option.

Other Programs

Scholarships are available through the Tweedale Scholarship program for engineering-related majors. Students must have completed at least one but no more than four semesters of college with excellent performance and be capable of completing all other NROTC requirements. Scholarships are also available to nursing students. Requirements vary; contact the ROTC unit for specifics.

General Requirements

In addition to completing the academic requirements for an approved baccalaureate degree, Naval ROTC students must, either as a part of or in addition to their regular curriculum, complete the following:

Navy-Option Scholarship Students. Two semesters of calculus by the end of the sophomore year and two semesters of calculus-based physics by the end of the junior year. In addition, scholarship students shall complete one semester of Regional Studies/World Culture, one semester of American Military Affairs or National Security Policy, and two semesters of freshman English.
Navy-Option College Program Students. Two semesters of college-level mathematics and one semester of computer science by the completion of the junior year. In addition, college program students will complete two semesters of physical science and two semesters of freshman English prior to graduation.

All Naval ROTC students are required to participate in weekly professional training laboratories which include physical fitness, swimming, military drill, and class seminar/advisement. The Naval uniform must be worn all day on those days allocated for military drill, generally Thursdays.

Navy-option students must complete 26 semester hours in a standardized naval science curriculum. Marine-option students must complete 15 semester hours of naval science courses plus one elective approved in advance by the professor of naval science.

Programs

Courses

AERO 101 - US Air Force Heritage and Values I (1 Credit)

Survey course introducing students to the U.S. Air Force and AFROTC. Topics include mission and organization of the Air Force, officership, professionalism, military customs and courtesies, and officer career opportunities.

Corequisite: AERO 101L

AERO 101L - Leadership Laboratory 101 (0 Credits)

Provides cadets the basic skills/knowledge to be functional members of the cadet corps, and activities to build camaraderie and esprit-de-corps. Includes mandatory physical fitness program.

Corequisite: AERO 101.

AERO 102 - US Air Force Heritage and Values II (1 Credit)

Continuation of AERO 101. Additional topics include Air Force core values, leadership principles, group leadership dynamics, and an introduction to verbal and written communications skills.

Corequisite: AERO 102L.

AERO 102L - Leadership Laboratory 102 (0 Credits)

Continuation of AERO 101L. Exposure to additional information on an Air Force career. Scenarios and problems teach followership and leadership skills. Includes mandatory physical fitness program.

Corequisite: AERO 102.

AERO 201 - Team and Leadership Fundamentals I (1 Credit)

Fundamental introduction to leadership and team-building.

Corequisite: AERO 201L.

AERO 201L - Leadership Laboratory 201 (0 Credits)

Preparation of students for summer training at an Air Force base; teaching drill and other leadership experiences. Includes mandatory physical fitness program.

Corequisite: AERO 201.

AERO 202 - Team and Leadership Fundamentals II (1 Credit)

Continuation of AERO 201. This course continues to build fundamental leadership and team building skills.

Corequisite: AERO 202L.

AERO 202L - Leadership Laboratory 202 (0 Credits)

Continuation of AERO 201L. Focuses on AFROTC Honor Code, Field Training Manual/procedures, and expeditionary skills required at field training. Includes mandatory physical fitness program.

Corequisite: AERO 202.

AERO 301 - Leading People and Effective Communication (3 Credits)

Tools and strategies for effective leadership. Topics include improving writing and public speaking skills used for briefing as well as ethics training.

Corequisite: AERO 301L.

Graduation with Leadership Distinction: GLD: Professional and Civic Engagement Leadership Experiences

AERO 301L - Leadership Laboratory 301 (1 Credit)

Provides cadets opportunities to develop leadership and followership skills, as well as sharpen their planning, organization, and communication ability. Includes mandatory physical fitness program.

Corequisite: AERO 301.

Graduation with Leadership Distinction: GLD: Professional and Civic Engagement Leadership Experiences

AERO 302 - Leading People and Effective Communication II (3 Credits)

Continuation of AERO 301. Advanced ethics and leadership skills designed to prepare the cadet to be an officer and a leader.

Prerequisites: AERO 301.

Corequisite: AERO 302L.

Graduation with Leadership Distinction: GLD: Professional and Civic Engagement Leadership Experiences

AERO 302L - Leadership Laboratory 302 (1 Credit)

Continuation of AERO 301L. Allows intermediate cadet leaders to further develop leadership and management skills essential in Air Force officers. Includes mandatory physical fitness program.

Prerequisites: AERO 301L.

Corequisite: AERO 302.

Graduation with Leadership Distinction: GLD: Professional and Civic Engagement Leadership Experiences

AERO 401 - National Security/Leadership Responsibilities/Commissioning Preparation (3 Credits)

Study of U. S. Constitution, the Armed Forces, civilian control of the military, elements of national security, USAF doctrine, Total Force, the Joint environment, terrorism, and regional and cultural studies.

Prerequisites: C or better in AERO 302 and AERO 302L.

Corequisite: AERO 401L.

AERO 401L - Leadership Laboratory 401 (1 Credit)

Provides senior cadet leaders opportunities to develop leadership and supervisory skills, and to effectively manage resources toward mission accomplishment. Includes mandatory physical fitness program.

Prerequisites: C or better in AERO 302 and AERO 302L.

Corequisite: AERO 401.

AERO 402 - National Security / Leadership Responsibilities / Commissioning Preparation II (3 Credits)

Continuation of AERO 401. Topics include national security policy and process, air and space power operations, roles of the military in society and current domestic and international issues affecting the military profession.

Prerequisites: C or better in AERO 401 and AERO 401L.

Corequisite: AERO 402L.

AERO 402L - Leadership Laboratory 402 (1 Credit)

Continuation of AERO 401L. Allows senior cadet leaders advanced opportunities to hone their leadership in preparation for entering active duty. Includes mandatory physical fitness program.

Prerequisites: C or better in AERO 401 and AERO 401L.

Corequisite: AERO 402.

AERO 499L - Extended Cadet Leader Leadership Laboratory (0 Credits)

Provides extended cadet leaders opportunities to continue developing leadership, managerial, and communication skills, and to mentor junior cadet corps members. Includes mandatory physical fitness program.

Prerequisites: AERO 402L.

ARMY 101 - Introduction to Army Fundamental Tactics (1 Credit)

Introduces cadets to the Army and the Profession of Arms.

Corequisite: ARMY 101L.

ARMY 101L - Lab in Military Science I (1 Credit)

This is a supervised experience between USC and Military Professionals, in which students will conduct various training requirements for a future commissioned officer. This course will focus on the fundamental of Military drill, customs, traditions, and special areas of knowledge required of future lieutenants.

Corequisite: ARMY 101.

ARMY 102 - Foundations of Agile and Adaptive Leadership (1 Credit)

Continuation of ARMY 101. Builds on the introduction to the Army and the Profession of Arms.

Corequisite: ARMY 101L.

ARMY 102L - Lab in Military Science II (1 Credit)

Corequisite: ARMY 102.

ARMY 201 - Leadership and Decision Making (2 Credits)

Exploration of tactical leadership strategies, team dynamics, historical leadership theories and developing leadership attributes.

Corequisite: ARMY 201L.

Graduation with Leadership Distinction: GLD: Professional and Civic Engagement Leadership Experiences

ARMY 201L - Lab in Military Science III (1 Credit)

Corequisite: ARMY 201.

ARMY 202 - Army Doctrine and Team Development (2 Credits)

Soldier skills, including map reading and land navigation. Introduces Army troop-leading procedures through practical exercises and principles of war using historical events. Note: Two lectures and leadership laboratory per week.

Corequisite: ARMY 202L.

ARMY 202L - Lab in Military Science IV (1 Credit)

Corequisite: ARMY 202.

ARMY 301 - Training Management and War Fighting Function (3 Credits)

Classroom instruction on Army Publications and Doctrine, War Fighting Functions and the Branches of the Army, Oral Presentations, as well as dedicated leadership labs focusing on Field Craft, Marksmanship, and Individual, Team, and Squad Movement Techniques.

Corequisite: ARMY 301L.

Graduation with Leadership Distinction: GLD: Professional and Civic Engagement Leadership Experiences

ARMY 301L - Lab in Military Science V (1 Credit)

Lab in Military Science ARMY 301L is a supervised experience between USC and Military Professionals, in which students will conduct various training requirements for a future commissioned officer. This course will focus on the fundamentals of Military drill, customs, traditions, and special areas of knowledge required of future lieutenants.

Corequisite: ARMY 301.

ARMY 302 - Adaptive Leadership and Tactical Operations (3 Credits)

Continuation of ARMY 301. Classroom instruction on Army Publications and Doctrine, War Fighting Functions and the Branches of the Army, Oral Presentations, as well as dedicated leadership labs focusing on Field Craft, Marksmanship, and Individual, Team, and Squad Movement Techniques.

Prerequisites: C or better in ARMY 301.

Corequisite: ARMY 302L.

Graduation with Leadership Distinction: GLD: Professional and Civic Engagement Leadership Experiences

ARMY 302L - Lab in Military Science VI (1 Credit)

Lab in Military Science ARMY 302L is a supervised experience between USC and Military Professionals, in which students will conduct various training requirements for a future commissioned officer. This course will focus on the fundamentals of Military drill, customs, traditions, and special areas of knowledge required of future lieutenants.

Corequisite: ARMY 302.

ARMY 399 - Independent Study (1-3 Credits)

Creative projects, including research and design, which are supervised on an individual basis and which fall outside the scope of formal courses. May be repeated for credit.

ARMY 400 - Nurses Summer Training Program Clinical Elective (3 Credits)

A 3-week summer nursing experience conducted at an Army hospital in the United States, Europe, or Asia that orients the cadet nurse to the mission of the U.S. Army Medical Department and its health care delivery system. It provides a minimum of 120 hours of clinical experience to develop nursing, leadership, administrative, and interpersonal skills.

Prerequisites: completion of the Leadership Development Assessment Course [LDAC], NURS 412 or its equivalent, acceptance into any Army ROTC, and enrolled Army ROTC Nursing Cadets.

ARMY 401 - The Army Officer and the Profession of Arms I (3 Credits)

Focuses on developing the knowledge, skills, and abilities to plan, resource, and assess training at the small unit level. Topics include Army programs that support counseling subordinates and evaluating performance, values and ethics, career planning, and legal responsibilities.

Prerequisites: C or better in ARMY 301 and ARMY 302.

Corequisite: ARMY 401L.

Graduation with Leadership Distinction: GLD: Professional and Civic Engagement Leadership Experiences

ARMY 401L - Lab in Military Science VII (1 Credit)

Lab in Military Science ARMY 401L is a supervised experience between USC and Military Professionals, in which students will conduct various training requirements for a future commissioned officer. This course will focus on the fundamentals of Military drill, customs, traditions, and special areas of knowledge required of future lieutenants.

Corequisite: ARMY 401.

ARMY 402 - The Army Officer and the Profession of Arms II (3 Credits)

Continuation of ARMY 401. Focuses on developing the knowledge, skills, and abilities to plan, resource, and assess training at the small unit level. Topics include Army programs that support counseling subordinates and evaluating performance, values and ethics, career planning, and legal responsibilities.

Prerequisites: C or better in ARMY 401.

Corequisite: ARMY 402L.

Graduation with Leadership Distinction: GLD: Professional and Civic Engagement Leadership Experiences

ARMY 402L - Lab in Military Science VIII (1 Credit)

Lab in Military Science ARMY 402L is a supervised experience between USC and Military Professionals, in which students will conduct various training requirements for a future commissioned officer. This course will focus on the fundamentals of Military drill, customs, traditions, and special areas of knowledge required of future lieutenants.

Corequisite: ARMY 402.

ARMY 406 - American Military Experience (3 Credits)

Transformation of war and of the institutions for waging war from the American Revolution to the present.

Cross-listed course: HIST 468

ARMY 499 - Internship/Research in Military Science (1-3 Credits)

Supervised internship experience between USC and Military Organizations under the direction of a faculty member in military science. May be repeated for credit. Contract required.

NAVY 101 - Fundamentals of Naval Science (3 Credits)

The Naval Service with emphasis on the mission, organization, regulation, and components of the Navy and Marine Corps.

NAVY 102 - U.S. Military History (3 Credits)

A historical survey on the importance of military doctrine and the many roles of the United States Military covering from the American Revolution to present day. HIST 468 or ARMY 406 may be taken in lieu of this course to meet the Naval ROTC History requirement.

NAVY 111 - Naval Military Laboratory (0 Credits)

Military drill, cruise preparation, customs, traditions, and special areas of knowledge required of commissioned officers in the Navy and Marine Corps. Pass/Fail grading.

NAVY 201 - Naval Ships Systems I (3 Credits)

Types, structure, and purpose of naval ships. Hydrodynamic forces, stability, compartmentation, electrical, and auxiliary systems. Theory of design and operation of steam, gas turbine, and nuclear propulsion. Shipboard safety and firefighting.

NAVY 202 - Naval Ships Systems II (3 Credits)

Fire control systems, weapons types, capabilities, and limitations. Physical aspects of radar and underwater sound for target acquisition, threat analysis, tracking, weapons selection, delivery, and guidance. Explosives, fusing, and naval ordnance.

NAVY 301 - Navigation/Naval Operations I (4 Credits)

Piloting and celestial navigation theory, principles, and procedures. Tides, current, weather, use of navigational instruments and equipments, and practicum. Laboratory required.

NAVY 301L - Navigation/Naval Operations Lab I (0 Credits)

Laboratory work in piloting and celestial navigation to complement Naval Science 301. One hour per week.

NAVY 302 - Navigation/Naval Operations II (4 Credits)

International and Inland Rules of the Road; relative motion-vector analysis; ship handling, employment, tactics, and afloat communications; and operations analysis. Laboratory required.

NAVY 302L - Navigation/Naval Operations II Lab (0 Credits)

Laboratory work in maneuvering board (vector analysis) and Rules of the Road to complement Naval Science 302. One hour per week.

NAVY 303 - Evolution of the Art of War (3 Credits)

A survey of military history emphasizing principles of warfare, strategy and tactics, and significant military leaders and organizations.

NAVY 401 - Naval Leadership and Management I (3 Credits)

Theory and principles of management, focusing on the officer-manager as an organizational decision maker. Includes interpersonal skills; behavior factors; group dynamics.

Graduation with Leadership Distinction: GLD: Professional and Civic Engagement Leadership Experiences

NAVY 402 - Naval Leadership and Ethics (3 Credits)

Integration of professional military competencies and qualities of effective leadership with emphasis on moral and ethical responsibilities, accountability, communications, and military law for the junior officer.

Graduation with Leadership Distinction: GLD: Professional and Civic Engagement Leadership Experiences

NAVY 403 - Fundamentals of Maneuver Warfare (3 Credits)

The history of Maneuver Warfare emphasizing doctrine and techniques while enabling students to become critical thinkers and better prepare them for future service.

2025-2026 Academic Bulletin

ROTC

Programs

Courses